Dr Angelica Merlot

Dr Angelica Merlot has dedicated her career to cancer research. Following her Medical Science (Hons I) Degree, she completed a PhD in Medicine at the University of Sydney, focusing on the development of novel drugs to selectively target cancer cells. She now heads the Cancer Targets and Therapeutics research team at the University of NSW.

Angelica’s research focuses on the deadliest of cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer, which has an 8% and 5 year survival rate. Specifically, Angelica develops new targets and medicines that combat drug-resistant cancers and cancer spread, which is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths. Her research has contributed to a Phase I multi-centre clinical trial, treating patients with advanced tumours in Australia. She has 28 publications, received many awards and has presented her work at over 35 conferences around the world.

Angelica is a member of the Gender Equity Working Group at the University of NSW, organising events and implementing initiatives to empower women and promote equity in Medicine. She has several leadership positions and has contributed to a Green paper for the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney as a member of the Cancer Research Network Board. Angelica mentors junior researchers and contributes to various fundraising initiatives. Recently, Angelica was named Marie Claire Magazine’s Wonder Woman, and was featured nationally in the June 2018 edition.